Smithfield in Isle of Wight County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Fort's Last Private Owners

— Historic Fort Boykin —

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

1. The Fort's Last Private Owners Marker

Inscription. The fort was purchased in 1950 by the Jordan sisters - Ella, Elizabeth and Susan.

This property belonged to their grandparents, Colonel Josiah William Jordan and Francis Moseley Dawley Jordan, from 1841 to 1849. The sisters, upon their acquisition, were proud to have it back in the family. They took meticulous care of the fort, allowed it to serve as a refuge for several peacocks and were well-known as hosts to their visitors.

In 1974, the remaining sister, Elizabeth, donated the fort to the Virginia Department of Parks but continued to live on site until her death in 1976. It was managed by the Isle of Wight Public Recreational Facilities Authority before it became the property of Isle of Wight County in 1999.

(captions)
Ella Jordan 1887-1973
Elizabeth Jordan 1888—1976
Susan Jordan 1892-1960

Erected by Isle of Wight County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 37° 2.09′ N, 76° 37.076′ W. Marker is in Smithfield, Virginia, in Isle of Wight County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) and Morgarts

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Beach Raod (Virginia Route 673), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Smithfield VA 23430, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Boykin Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Boykin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Fort Boykin (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Fort Boykin Historic Park (about 400 feet away); Fort Boykin during the Civil War (about 500 feet away); The Historic James and its Tributaries (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.

Also see . . . Fort Boykin. Isle of Wight County Museum (Submitted on April 6, 2024.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

2. The Fort's Last Private Owners Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 6, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.